'Big Boy' stops in Lincoln on historical tour

Union Pacific's Big Boy No. 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive, stopped at the 7th Street crossing in Lincoln last week as a part of the railroad's coast-to-coast tour celebrating America's 250th birthday. Big Boy was built in November 1941 by ALCO to haul heavy freight over Utah's Wasatch Mountains. After traveling more than 1 million miles in 20 years, it was retired in December 1961 and donated to the Railway and Locomotive Historical Society before Union Pacific purchased the locomotive in 2013, moving it to Cheyenne, Wyoming, for a multi-year restoration and return to service in 2019 as a traveling museum. "This tour celebrates the American spirit. It celebrates the men and women behind this country's incredible success story. The railroads are intertwined with this history and the magnitude of the Trans Continental Railway," said Union Pacific Spokesperson Robynn Tysver. "We celebrate this nation's innovative spirit and passion for success." Big Boy No. 4014 represents the pinnacle of American steam technology, industrial power and World War II-era logistical strength, weighing 1.2 million pounds. It functions as a "living legend" and traveling ambassador, honoring rail history and connecting communities across America one stop at a time. "I've been a longtime fan of Big Boy. I've seen it in multiple states and enjoy meeting other train enthusiasts that appreciate the engineering and magnificence of trains like Big Boy," said a man named Thomas, who was there specifically to see the steam locomotive. "This train tour is extra special to me and everyone here because it represents America and what it means to be an American." The western segment of the coast-to-coast tour ends April 24, as Big Boy returns to Cheyenne for a multi-day locomotive maintenance period. The tour will resume with the eastern segment on May 25. The eastern coast tour display days will include Omaha, Nebraska; Chicago, Illinois; Buffalo, New York; Scranton, Pennsylvania; and Philadelphia while additional display days are anticipated in Altoona, Pennsylvania; St.Louis, Missouri; and Kansas City, Missouri. A detailed schedule for the eastern tour will be released at a later date. Join the Union Pacific Steam Club at http://UP.com/SteamClub to be notified when more details become available.